Giveaway Info: Prize is 1 eBook copy of “Awaken the Demon” PLUS a coffee mug. Contest is tour-wide and ends Apr 16. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. Rafflecopter and tour schedule link are at the bottom of the post. Good Luck!

Running from an abusive Fiancé, changing her name, Missy Green is looking for a new life. Taking temporary refuge in a group called The StarrGazers, she does her best to blend in. Problem is, the owner, Draco Starr has put his sights on her.

Born and raised in the pits of hell, Draco was sent to earth to collect souls for Satan. Having served his time he starts his own business. When word gets out that a child born from demon and human is alive, he is determined to find her and make her his own.

Discovering who Draco really is terrifies Missy, but it’s nothing compared to finding out she too is a demon. Coming to terms with who she is, dealing with her attraction to Draco, Missy begins to embrace her new life. Until her fiancé enters the picture and changes her life forever.

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult sexual situations and/or adult language, and may be considered offensive to some readers.

Excerpt

“I wanted to ask you a few questions.”

She turned her head to face him and the room began to swim before her. “Questions, always questions with you. Let me ask you one for a change. Why are you looking for a mate?”

“To share my life with, of course.”

“Why me?” Her vision was beginning to blur. Was this what being drunk was like? She’d never been before.

He blinked several times before responding. “You’re the only one of your kind.”

“And that’s it? You want me because I’m rare?”

“I did. Before I knew you. Where is this going, Missy?”

“I’m just curious if love played any part in this search for a mate. See, when I accepted Ronald’s proposal, I believed I was in love. I figured we would have a long, happy life together, have a few children, grow old and die together.” She looked over at Draco. “Well, that didn’t exactly work out, so I was just curious what your idea of happily-ever-after is?”

“I’ve never really given it any thought.”

“Well, I would think that would be something to think about when choosing a mate. However, I really don’t know what you feel, being a direct descendent of Satan and all. Can you feel?” she slurred.

“How did you find that out?”

“I have my ways,” she responded slyly. “Can you?”

“I didn’t come here to be grilled by you.”

“I wasn’t grilling you. I was just asking questions. What’s the matter, Draco? You don’t like being questioned?”

He got to his feet. “I think I’ll come back when you’re in a better mood.”

“Yep, yep I am. Why is it I get the strangest urge to rip those clothes from your body and see what’s hidden beneath all that black?” She ran a finger along his lapel. “Yet, at the same time, I want to vomit at your feet.”

“What sort of response were you expecting from that question? Or was it a rhetorical one?”

“Yeah, the last one,” she slurred.

“This is all new to you. It will take time for you to adjust.”

“Oh, I’ve grasped it all. I’m now a demon who craves flesh and blood and my future is filled with uncertainty, but one thing remains.” The tears came up and flooded her eyes despite her fight to withhold them. “I can never go home again.”

“Missy.”

“No.” She waved him off. “Leave me be. I need some time alone.”

“You keep pushing me away, yet it’s me you need.”

“I don’t need you.” She stepped away and was shocked when he yanked her back toward him. Before she knew it, his mouth was covering hers. She felt the heat scorch her from the middle of her belly and down. Something inside of her beckoned her to surrender.

“I have never wanted a woman’s lips before.” He ran his thumb over her lips. “Yours tempt me beyond reason.” With that said, he vanished.

She slumped to the floor, her eyes flooded with tears.

Now why did he have to do that.

Reviews

“To start off, let me tell you I was very excited to get this book from Decadent Publishing for review – YEEEEEE! Shiela Stewart is a “new to me” author, and I LOVE those first reads, the first “aww’s,” the first “laughs” and the first “what the hells?” After reading Awakening the Demon I am happy to report that this was a win for me and I absolutely recommend Shiela Stewart!”–Day Dream Reviews (link to full review: http://daydrmzzz.blogspot.ca/2012/07/awaken-demon-shiela-stewart-review.html?zx=cfb9efe7b2862c37)

“Awaken the Demon is a nice short read. Draco is my favorite character in the book; he has all the charm, style, and attitude you would expect from a centuries old Demon. The dynamic between Draco and Missy is amusing and was fun. I also unexpectedly found myself charmed by a few of Draco’s employees, Troy and Hunter, as they were both able to give me several laughs.”–Bitten By Books (link to full review: http://www.bittenbylovereviews.com/2012/05/awaken-demon-by-sheila-stewart.html)

Harlie’s Review:

I loved this story but then I love demons and angels in paranormal. This story is set in modern times and it revolves around a direct descendant of Satan and the woman who didn’t have a clue what she was and was about to become.

This book packs a punch and is a great lead off for the series. Draco is a demon that has finished collecting souls for the devil and has made his way through his various companies and business dealings. Once he hears that a Halfling (half demon/half human) has survived and is alive, he is on the hunt for his mate and will use a trumped up star gazing class at his mansion to find her.

Missy is that missing link, he’s mate. She doesn’t know it and when she finds out she isn’t too happy about it either. Running is an option for her since she was already running from an abusive relationship from her finance.

The beginning of the story starts off with a cringe. I have never been in an abusive relationship but Ms. Stewart doesn’t sugarcoat it. I felt like I was Joanne (Missy) in her desperation to run before the worst happened. Stumbling on a bus carrying people to a mansion to watch the stars, she can’t believe her luck. Moving with a crowd, her abuser can’t find her.

This book moves a quick pace but you will not mind. The dialogue between Draco and Missy is great. There are misconceptions that Missy must overcome to fully understand who and what she is now. Draco tries to help but she fears that he will be like her abuser…controlling. The secondary characters, Troy and Hunter are a hoot. In some ways, Troy was the better teacher…at least he had the humor factor. But what Draco taught her and helped her with was more poignant.

This story brought out emotions in me about losing yourself and then finding yourself again. Missy had some hard decisions to make and there is one scene that really tore me up and I knew it wasn’t easy for her. I admire a writer when they put their characters in REAL situations no matter the genre and it comes across as, Damn, I don’t know if I could make the same situation.

I highly recommend Awaken the Demon for the demon/paranormal fan. Ms. Stewart has brought a world to us that we can relate to and make sense too. 🙂 Oh and I want to be on Cloud Nine, too.

About the Author

Raised on a rural farm in Saskatchewan, Shiela Stewart relied on her vivid imagination to fill her days. Never did she realize that her need to tell a story would someday lead to becoming a published romance author. In the fall of two thousand and six, Shiela published her very first book and hasn’t stopped since.

When not writing, Shiela spends time with the love of her life, William and their three children. She has a strong affection for animals which is evident in the five cats, one dog, three turtles and ten fish she owns. Some of her passions aside from writing are drawing and painting and proudly displays her artwork in murals in her home.